The CS:GO server downtime delays ESL Pro League S18 playoffs game
With the official Counter-Strike Twitter teasing the release of Counter-Strike 2 for 27th September, the community was ready for the new CS game to drop. To prepare for the release of CS2, the steam CS:GO servers started going down on 27th September, 21:20 CEST. The server downtime led to an unexpected delay to the ESL Pro League S18 playoffs game between Complexity and Monte.
The Intercontinental Malta is hosting the playoffs for ESL Pro League S18. Out of the 32 playing teams, only 16 qualified for the playoffs. Today was the second day for the playoffs and featured four games in total. Coincidentally, today was also the expected release of Counter-Strike 2.
During the last game of the day between Complexity and Monte, the CS:GO servers went down. The downtime was likely to prepare the servers for the completion of Counter-Strike 2. With the CS:GO servers down, ESL was unable to start the second map of the series.
Fortunately, ESL found a way to complete the series. The Complexity-Monte game was later played in Offline mode with default loadouts for both the teams. The game resumed at 22:10 CEST and will conclude soon. You can follow the game on Strafe.
The CS:GO and CS2 limited test servers are currently down. As Valve prepares for the servers for the much-awaited release of Counter-Strike 2, the community has its eyes glued to Twitter/Youtube in hopes to witness the dawn of the new era live.
With the release of CS2, ESL Pro League S18 might be the last CS:GO tournament. After 12 years of service, we will witness the final moments of CS:GO esports at ESL Pro League S18 playoffs.
Read More: ESL Pro League, Group D: G2, CoL, VP and EF through the next phase!
Featured Image Source: ESL